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The University of Notre Dame Australia

  • 2% international / 98% domestic

Bachelor of Arts (Second Major: Philosophy)

  • Bachelor

If you are interested in all the important questions: Who am I? Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? The study of philosophy deals with some of the most important questions facing humans.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 years full-time
Study Mode
In person

About this course

School of Arts & Sciences

If you are interested in all the important questions: Who am I? Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? The study of philosophy deals with some of the most important questions facing humans. The University of Notre Dame Australia's Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Philosophy tackles these complex issues. You will grow and develop your critical thinking skills by carefully examining great philosophical works. Get in contact today to start exploring.

Entry requirements

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Entry requirements WA

Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly - your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

*Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

*Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section^.

OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

*STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

Entry requirements NSW

Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly - your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

*Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

*Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section^.

OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

*STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly - your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

*Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

*Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section^.

OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

*STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

Entry requirements NSW

Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly - your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

*Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

*Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section^.

OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

*STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

Study locations

Sydney

Fremantle

What you will learn

Philosophical thought is central to how we see ourselves and the wider world. Our Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Philosophy provides a detailed introduction to the Western philosophical tradition from the Ancient World until now. Along the way, you will grapple with some of the thorniest questions in moral philosophy, learn basic philosophical reasoning, and develop your capacity for critical thinking and clear expression.

In Years Two and Three, you can pursue your philosophical interests by choosing from a wide range of topics, including Business Ethics, Formal Logic, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Religion and Epistemology. You will also examine the work of prominent thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas and learn to evaluate arguments about truth, reality, and various belief systems.

While only a few philosophy graduates pursue careers as professional philosophers, the considerable skills acquired, and knowledge gained apply in many occupations. As a graduate of a Bachelor of Arts (Major: Philosophy), you will have the analytical and critical skills necessary to succeed in academic research, business management, policy development, politics, journalism, international trade, and diplomacy.

Philosophy is available as a Major and Minor in the following programs, including double-degree variations:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) (Minor only)
  • Bachelor of Behavioural Science
  • Bachelor of Communications and Media (second Major and Minor)
  • Bachelor of Science (Minor only)
  • You can also complete a 3-year Bachelor of Philosophy degree.

Career pathways

Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; Many employers will welcome the transferable skills. The following careers are open to graduates of this program: Policy analyst, researcher, intelligence officer, and diplomat.

Course structure

The Philosophy Major includes these requirements:

Students must complete 200 units of credit, as follows:

Fremantle

Students complete these TWO courses:

  • CORE1010 Introduction to Philosophy
  • CORE1020 Ethics

Students complete SIX of these courses:

  • PHIL2100 History of Philosophy: Ancient
  • PHIL2110 History of Philosophy: Medieval
  • PHIL2130 History of Philosophy: Modern
  • PHIL2140 History of Philosophy: Contemporary
  • PHIL3050 Aesthetics: The Philosophy of Art
  • PHIL3080 Natural Law
  • PHIL3090 Moral Philosophy
  • PHIL3150 Philosophy of Love and Friendship
  • PHIL3210 Philosophy of the Human Person
  • PHIL3300 Epistemology
  • PHIL3310 Cosmology and Philosophy of Science
  • PHIL3410 Political Philosophy
  • PHIL3510 Metaphysics: Theories of Being and Existence
  • PHIL3520 Philosophy of Religion
  • PHIL3550 Myth and Meaning
  • PHIL3710 Logical and Critical Thinking
  • PHIL3950 Special Topics in Philosophy & Ethics

Sydney

Students complete these THREE courses

  • PHIL1020 The Method & Basic Problems of Philosophy
  • PHIL1030 Critical Thinking
  • PHIL3090 Moral Philosophy

Students complete ONE of these courses:

  • PHIL2100 History of Philosophy: Ancient
  • PHIL2110 History of Philosophy: Medieval
  • PHIL2130 History of Philosophy: Modern
  • PHIL2140 History of Philosophy: Contemporary

Students complete FOUR of these courses:

  • PHIL2010 Introduction to Formal Logic
  • PHIL2060 The Philosophy of Science
  • PHIL2070 The Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL2100 History of Philosophy: Ancient
  • PHIL2110 History of Philosophy: Medieval
  • PHIL2130 History of Philosophy: Modern
  • PHIL2140 History of Philosophy: Contemporary
  • PHIL3000 Aquinas: Analytic and Phenomenological Approaches
  • PHIL3010 Business Ethics
  • PHIL3030 An Introduction to Metaphysics
  • PHIL3040 Metaphysics, Being, and God
  • PHIL3050 Aesthetics: The Philosophy of Art
  • PHIL3060 Faith and Reason
  • PHIL3080 Natural Law
  • PHIL3150 Philosophy of Love and Friendship
  • PHIL3210 Philosophy of the Human Person
  • PHIL3300 Epistemology
  • PHIL3410 Political Philosophy
  • PHIL3520 Philosophy of Religion

Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

Here you can find full details of the Major, Second Major and Minor requirements.

More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

Please note: The availability of these courses and teaching staff is indicative only and may be subject to change.